If your son or daughter is participating in a graduation ceremony this month you are probably thinking about how best to document this important day of your child’s life. Important events like births, graduations and weddings deserve proper documentations, either by still photos or video footage, or both. The quality of photos you get will depend on what type of equipment you own and what you are willing to carry with you to the ceremony. Different types of cameras do different jobs and will provide you with completely different results. Many cameras have dual functions now. You can shoot stills and video with a small point and shoot camera and with certain models of DSLR cameras. Unfortunately, the video capabilities of these cameras are not the same as a camcorder. To get clear video footage with good focus and sound, a camcorder is your best bet. A graduation is a once in a lifetime event and you don’t want to feel like you missed getting a good photo or video of it because you didn't bring the right camera. To get the best record of the graduation day, therefore, you really need to use both types of cameras if you are lucky enough to own both. But it is difficult for one person to carry all this equipment on the important day. Unless you are a highly motivated photographer, that can’t let anyone else do the filming, it is best to share the responsibilities of documenting the proceedings with another member of your family. For instance, someone can be in charge of still photos and someone else can be in charge of shooting the video footage. It is also important to remember that although shooting the video with your HD camcorder or taking still photos is a great way to have a permanent record of the event, if you spend the entire time looking through the lens of your camera you are going to miss the event yourself. How many time have you obsessively filmed something only to realize after the event that the only memories you have of it are those that you got from the photos? Often we spend too much time filming and not enough time enjoying the moment. Before you attend the event think about what you are going shoot video of and what still photos you would like to take. The ceremony itself is a great time to shoot video, especially if your child’s university has chosen a great guest speaker. Unfortunately, if your child has attended a large university, it may be difficult to get a good view of your child. Video of your child entering the auditorium dressed in his gown and going on stage to receive his diploma is great footage if you can get it. Once the ceremony is over use your SLR camera or your point and shoot to get stills of him in his gown with his family and friends. You can use your video camera to shoot this also, but these are classic shots that you should have stills of. Consult your child to see if there are any areas on campus that are particularly sentimental to him and shoot some stills there too. Remember, this is a once in a lifetime event. Being prepared with the right equipment and clear ideas of how you would like to document to occasion will provide you with the best results.
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